He was reading a book about plants on our couch, but when my wife (Brittany) and I started to walk him upstairs for bed, he mentioned he had a few questions. The Lord has given him a deep curiosity about all kinds of things in life, but it was obvious these were not our normal “what are we going to do tomorrow” questions. It was already late and we had a full day, and my brain was working at about -10% capacity — but these types of conversations are always so rich.

Our kids are around “Christian stuff” day in and day out. They know the Gospel is true and they believe Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again on the third day. But, our prayer is that each of our kids come face-to-face with their desperate need for his forgiveness and salvation, and respond in faith.

Intellectual belief in God is what the demons had in James 2:19.

I want my kids to be captured by the glory of Jesus, and overflow with worship.

Before our first kid was 6 months old, we had no less than 3-4 kids Bibles in our home.

Our kids weren’t even walking and I was already stocking up on creative Bible story books. I wanted the Gospel to be a constant conversation with our kids, and I wanted them to learn the Bible backward and forward. I dreamed of reading the Bible every morning and night with our kids — and them loving every minute.

But, reality quickly set in. I’m not a great storyteller, and it’s tough to capture our kids imaginations. Now that we’ve got 6 kids, some days it feels like a major win just to keep everyone quiet during prayer at the dinner table.

The simple truth is that life is crazy. Buying the latest Advent study or ordering a fancy illustrated children’s Bible won’t transform hearts. These are great tools, but they aren’t a cure-all for hearts that need to be awakened to personal sin and the grace of Jesus. I’m finally realizing there is no easy button.

My kids didn’t need another children's Bible.

God is using the Book of Acts to reveal his glory to our kids.

We just finished reading through the Book of Acts with our children for the second time, and it’s been a beautiful reminder of the simple power of reading God’s Word together. Every weekday after breakfast, Brittany simply reads through a short section of verses at the table.

Every bit of the Bible is profitable and valuable, but I’m falling in love with the Book of Acts all over again.

Our kids range in age from 11 years down to 18 months. Our baby mostly throws food in the floor but everyone else stays locked in to the stories (most of the time). Acts opens with Jesus handing down the Great Commission in Acts 1:8, and ends with Paul spending 2 years preaching and teaching in Rome (from prison). Over 25% of the book is made up of Gospel-saturated speeches from Peter, Stephen, Paul, and others.

Acts = History + Theology + Crazy Stories

Acts gives us all sorts of stories crazier than any fiction writer could dream up.

Stephen was chosen as a deacon, then became the first martyr recorded in the Bible. Paul was murdering Christians, then Jesus sent him to preach to the Gentiles. Peter ostracized non-Jews from the Jerusalem church, then repented when he heard they received the Holy Spirit. Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for lying to Peter and the Holy Spirit. Paul was beaten, left for dead, then woke up and started preaching again.

Remember that quick list of Paul’s sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:16-33?

The second half of Acts is Luke’s personal account of watching it happen. The epistles are amazing letters that are a quick read, but the Book of Acts just might be the best book in the Bible to read with your kids or new believers. Paul’s letters teach us the why and how behind the Gospel, but Acts shows us the Gospel and the Holy Spirit’s work in action.

Reading Acts is watching the Gospel in motion.

Acts is the story of the Holy Spirit coming into the world — empowering believers to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, plant churches, and stay faithful to the end.

“And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:22-24)

It’s been an amazing gift to see long-term fruit from the time my wife is investing in reading Acts with our kids.

Read the Book of Acts with your kids, you won’t regret it.

God’s Word does not return void. It’s impossible to disciple our kids without reading it together.

You and I don’t need a seminary education, and we don’t even need a simplified version. Our kids just need to see us fall in love with God’s Word and hear us read it with them.

*Photo by Kyle Glenn.

This post was originally published as a personal story for Snowbird Outfitters.

Don't worry, you're not alone. This list of 25 abbreviated Bible passages should fit your family context perfectly. Read them together as a family each day in December as you approach Christmas. Then, read the final story of Christ's birth as you gather around the tree on Christmas morning.

Download the PDF Advent reading list here.

You don't have to default to kids' Bibles all the time when your children are young.

This is the beauty of God's Word! It is true and simple enough for children to see the glory of God, yet magnificent enough for the wise scholar to wonder at the mystery. Jesus the God-man came down as a created being in the humblest of circumstances—to rescue us from ourselves.

Don't miss this beautiful opportunity to start a habit of regular Bible reading with your family. Start now, and don't stop until you're on the deathbed!

1. Hebrews 1:1-4

2. Isaiah 6:1-7

3. John 6:35-40, 66-69

4. John 8:12-18

5. John 10:11-16

6. John 11:17-44

7. Philippians 2:1-11

8. Luke 19:1-10

9. John 17:20-26

10. Romans 5:1-5

11. Romans 12:9-13

12. Genesis 3:1-24

13. Genesis 17:1-8

14. Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7

15. Isaiah 11:1-5

16. Revelation 22:16-17

17. Matthew 1:1-23

18. John 1:1-5

19. John 1:8-17

20. Luke 1:26-38

21. Luke 1:46-55

22. Luke 1:57–66

23. Luke 1:67-80

24. Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7

25. Luke 2:1-40

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Let’s dig into the why and how.

Bible Reading

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.’ Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, ‘Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.'” (Genesis 17:1–8)

“And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘My father!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’ He said, ‘Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’ So they went both of them together.” (Genesis 22:6-8)

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” (Hebrews 11:17-19)

Read: Genesis 15:1-6; 17:1-14; 21:1-7; 22:1-19

Reflection

Watch this video from Snowbird, displaying the covenant with Abraham:

Yahweh is a God of promise, and He keeps His promises.

Genesis 15:1-5 is the first of several recordings of the promises given to Abraham. This was not merely a promise for numerous children and ethnic offspring. God promised repeatedly, that Abraham would be “the father of a multitude of nations” (Genesis 17:4-5). God made a covenant with Abraham that would extend to that offspring. All who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord receive that covenant of sonship with the Father. The Lord promises, “I will be their God” (Genesis 17:8).

What greater promise can be made?

Isaac was the first representation of the promise.

God gave Abraham and his family signs along the way that pointed to Christ’s coming, the fulfillment of God’s covenant. Genesis 15:7-20 showed us that this covenant was so complete and perfect that only God could fulfill it.

Abraham was incapable of keeping the covenant, so God kept it for him.

We need this covenant of grace.

We are unable to keep the requirements of the covenant with God, so Christ fulfilled it for us. Covenant keeping was about more than the sign of circumcision for the Israelites. It was about hearts that were completely submitted to the Lord. God knew the righteousness and holiness of this covenant required more than physical obedience — it required the obedience of faith (in Christ).

“And Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’ So they went both of them together.” (Genesis 22:7-8)

In the moment of Isaac’s almost sacrifice, Abraham exemplified this faith in God.

How did Jesus fulfill the covenant with Abraham?

Abraham trusted God and He trusted God’s plan. At other times in Genesis, Abraham walked in unfaithfulness. Praise God that we are not saved by our ability to keep God’s law but rather by the perfect blood of Jesus that covers our weakness. Our hearts and our actions are littered with pride, selfishness, and self-preservation—rebellious postures against the Lord. But, Christ confirmed the Old Testament promises because His Word never fails (Romans 15:8). His promises never fail. In spite of our sin, God reigns true and calls His people to Himself. And, one day, John the Baptist saw Jesus approach and exclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

Forgiveness of sins is now available. Jesus Christ is the divine covenant keeper who secures our eternal life.

God provided the Lamb for His people.

Application

1. God makes and keeps His promises. Remember this daily. It is vital to read and study God’s Word to discern (by the Holy Spirit) which promises apply to us now. We can be sure of this: God provided the Lamb for our atonement!

2. Don’t forget to read the Old Testament in unison. The God of the Old is the same God of the New. Everything in the Old Testament points forward to Jesus’ Advent. And, everything in the New Testament points backward to Christ’s Advent and forward to His second coming. We have the blessing of looking back on the promises the Lord has already fulfilled. Take confidence that He will also fulfill the promises He made while on earth. Jesus said things like “I will not leave you” (John 14:18). Hebrews 13:5 reminds us “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Prayer

Father, thank you for providing the Lamb of God for my forgiveness. I am unworthy of your love and unworthy of receiving your promises. But I praise you that your righteousness and holy love do not depend on my ability to love and obey you. Thank you for sending Jesus to live the perfect, obedient, worshipful life that I am unable to. But, Lord Jesus, give me the joy and gratitude to live a life of thankful worship that brings you glory. Thank you for making me your child and bringing me into your covenant promise.

Family Discipleship Time

Read Together

• Jesus Storybook Bible – read or watch the videos

  • “Son of Laughter”

  • “The Present”

Discussion

• God gives these stories in the Bible so that we know He always keeps His promises. Who is the Son of God that the Bible promised would come? — (Jesus who was born as a baby in Bethlehem. He was the Son of God and Son of Man.)

• Did God already know whether Abraham trusted Him or not? — (Yes, God knows what is in all of our hearts. He wanted to show Abraham and Isaac that He would always be faithful to them, and teach them how to trust His Word no matter what.)

• Abraham is called the father of many nations. What does this mean? — (Jesus was born through the family of Abraham, the Israelites. So, everyone who is a Christian is joined to Jesus in faith. We are adopted by God as sons and daughters once we trust Jesus by turning away from our sin and trusting Him.)

• Compare Isaac and Jesus. What are their similarities and differences? — (Isaac was born as a miracle to Abraham and Sarah, but was still just a sinful man. His sacrifice could not erase the effects of sin. Jesus was also born as a miracle to Mary, without a human father. But, He was perfect and holy in every way. Jesus is the only one who was born without sin and never sinned! His sacrifice on the Cross is able to pay for our sins and give us new life.)

Additional Resources

• Audio & article – “Advent: A Promise Fulfilled” by David Platt

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Let’s study what Scripture teaches.

Bible Reading: John 12:27-36 & John 17

“‘Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven: ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ …. (Jesus) ‘The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light…'” (John 12:27–36)

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me…'” (John 17:1–8)

Read: John 12:27–36; 17:1-26

Why Did Jesus Glorify the Father?

The simple truth is that the birth of Christ is all about God’s glory.

Yes, Jesus came to be a servant and our Deliverer. But the Advent of Jesus is most ultimately about the glory of God! God’s plan is for His own glory to be made manifest throughout the universe so that we can find fulfillment in Him alone, worshiping His glory eternally. The Advent of Christ, the birth of Jesus in a manger, was an integral part of our Lord’s mission.

The Gospel of John is a magnificent account of Jesus’ life — fully inspired by the Holy Spirit to give us a greater understanding of Christ as the eternal Son of God. John’s gospel leaves no doubt that Jesus is very God and very man—the promised arrival of God himself who was coming to redeem mankind.

How Did Jesus Glorify the Father?

These passages in John 12 and John 17 both refer to the coming Crucifixion.

Everything about Advent points to the Crucifixion, and the Crucifixion points to the Resurrection.

The birth of Christ is about God’s glory, because the death of Christ is about God’s glory. His perfect obedience was the only acceptable sacrifice that could atone for our sins. Christ’s perfect submission to God the Father was the permanent sacrifice that amplified the eternal glory of our trinitarian God.

Jesus came to glorify the Father in life and in death. His life pointed people to the Heavenly Father with every breath, every step, and every miracle. In the glorious mystery of the Trinity, God the Son is joyfully obedient to God the Father and glorifies His name: “…for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name” (John 12:27). Then, Jesus urged the crowd to “believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (John 12:36).

Jesus, the light of the world, is simultaneously glorified with the Father. In John 10:30, Christ already revealed: “I and the Father are one.”

When the Son is exalted and honored, the Father is honored as well, because the Father and the Son are one.

R.C. Sproul

The High Priestly Prayer

John 17 contains the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus’ prayer over the disciples the night before His crucifixion. On the night before His torture and death, His highest concern was for the Father’s glory and the Church’s unity. Read over this chapter several times this week and let the richness of Christ’s love transform your heart! Christ provided the world with the words of eternal life, thereby glorifying the Father and sealing the faith of those who believe. Notice the fervent prayer the Lord Jesus prays for us, the Church. His desire is for us to experience the same unity with one another (and with the Father) that He has with the Father.

The Advent of Christ is for our good, the Church’s unity, and God’s glory!

After the Resurrection, Jesus found the Apostles hiding in a locked room, afraid for their lives. Jesus responds with a loving command that is filled with all the authority of the Son of God. The One who has “authority over all flesh” (John 17:2) has sent His people with the power to go, make disciples, and bring glory to the Father.

“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

How Should We Respond?

1. Have you trusted in Jesus, the Light of the World (John 8:12-18)? If so, then you are now a son or daughter of the Light—a child of God! If not, then read over Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and think about what in your heart stops you from trusting Jesus completely and turning away from your sin.

2. Whenever you read the gospel accounts, pay attention to mentions of the Trinity. There are several places in Scripture that we read of Jesus praying to the Father, ministering in the Spirit, and glorifying the Father. God reveals His character and nature through all three persons of the Trinity (Father, Spirit, Son). Don’t miss the beauty of the mystery!

3. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus prayed for you! Whatever struggle you’re in right now, whatever sin you are fighting against—know that Jesus is God in the flesh. He has authority over all, and He sits on His throne as your mediator. He has conquered the sting of death for all who are His.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, you are the Messiah, the king of Israel. All nations will come and bow down before you. God wields the world to see that you are worshiped. Therefore, whatever opposition I may find, I joyfully ascribe authority and dignity to you and bring my gifts to say that you alone can satisfy my heart, not these.”

John Piper

Family Discipleship Time

Read Together

John 17:20-26

Questions for Discussion – Jesus Came to Glorify the Father

• Was Jesus angry or upset that the Father sent Him to earth to rescue us? (No, Jesus came joyfully so that we could see the wonderful glory of God and that one day we can be with Him in Heaven.)

• This was the night before Jesus died on the cross, and Jesus knew that. Is this what most people would pray about on such a sad and scary day? (No, our natural instinct is to protect ourselves and ask God to keep us safe. But Jesus loved us so perfectly that He prayed for us to understand and love God’s Word so that we can be saved by the message of Truth. John 14:6 shows us that Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” He is our way to the Father!)

• What does it mean for us (Christians) to “be one”? (Jesus prayed that all Christians, spiritual brothers and sisters, would love and care for one another in perfect unity. Just like Jesus and God the Father have a perfect relationship, with no barriers between them, Jesus desires the same thing for all Christians. After we are connected to Jesus with a new heart, He connects and reconciles us to our new brothers and sisters in the family of God.)

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me…I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

(John 17:20-26)

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